Vibratory massager



July 5, 1938. Q T BUFFALOW 2,122,556

VIBRATORY MASSAGER Filed Oct. 3, 1935 @swf T zyjfzlaw;

Patented July 5, 1938 UNITEDY STATES Prr'rila'rl OFFICE@ Application October 3,

5 Claims.

This invention relates to a vibratory massager,

and it aims to provide a novel construction of massaging arm having ball or roller means to more efciently move over and massage the spinal 5 tissues and the feet, although capable of use generally.

It further aims to provide a removable element between the balls, for massaging purposes, preferably projecting slightly beyond the balls.

The more specc objects and advantages will ,ecome apparent and in part be pointed out hereinafter in connection with accompanying draw- In said drawing:-

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a vibratory massaging apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a right hand end elevation of the parts of Figure 1; and

`Figure 3 is a substantially central vertical sectional view through the massaging ball and adjacent parts.

Referring specifically to the drawing, I designates a vibratory arm, the same being adapted to be vibrated in any suitable manner. As shown, it is connected by an arm I I to a frame I2 mounting an electric motor I3, Whose drive shaft has a conventional vibrating connection as at I4 with the vibrating arm I0. The motor I3 may receive electric current from any suitable source. As shown, conductors I5 are connected to the motor, one end of which has a plug IB adapted to engage a suitable socket, and the conductor or cable preferably containing a switch I1 therein. Frame 52 has a vertical portion terminating in a nger engaging ring or the like I8, to facilitate handling and manipulation of the instrument.

Said vibratory arm I0 is vertically disposed and centrally has a button or massaging member i9 detachably connected by a screw stud 20 to a cross arm 2I on the vibratory arm. The outer surface of. the button I9 is spherical as shown at 22, and the button may be made of any suitable material such as soft, medium, or hard rubber, or even metal, for instance, aluminum.

On each side of the massaging button 22 is a massaging and guiding ball 23, the projection or button 22 extending outwardly slightly farther than the periphery of the balls 23. Such balls 23 may be made of the same material as mentioned with respect to the button 22. However, a very eiective combination consists of the ball 23 being made of soft rubber and used with a button 22 made of aluminum. Said balls 23 have axial metallic sleeves 24, which are journaled on 1935, Serial N0. 43,451

bolts 25, mounted by screw threads at 26, in vertical arms 21 and 28, rising from the cross arm 2|. Due to this construction, the bolts or screws 25 may be removed to release the balls 23 for inspection or replacement.

In the use of the device, there is a double action, double roller eiect, for use on the tissues, especially the spinal, while vibrating at the same time and enabling the applicator to reach any and all of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, nerves, blood vessels, lymph tissues, etc.

As the button 22 projects outwardly farther than the applicator balls 23, the structure in treating the feet, t into the hollow or contour of the sole of the foot, vibrating and massaging out the congestion and stimulating the circula tion.

With the center applicator 22 in place, the device is especially adapted to treating the feet, and by removing the applicator ball I9, the vibrator can be used for practically any part of. the body: that is, chest, abdomen, arms, legs, and especially up and down the spinal column, with the balls 23 rolling on either side of the spinal processes, as application is made to the tissues, which reaches all of the supercial and deep muscles, ligaments, tendons, arteries, veins, lymphatics, etc., with ease to the operator and comfort to the patient, vibrating and massaging out the congestion and stimulating the circulation to all of the soft tissues.

Various changes may be resorted to, such as a heavy base plate which will be used in placing the vibrator on the oor, giving weight and steadiness to the vibrator as it is being used for treating the feet, also a change in the size and location of the hand holds, for instance using pistol grip at one end, or both ends, or any other type especially suited for handling this device.

Various other changes may be resorted to provided they fall within the spirit and scope of. the invention.

I claim as my inventionz- 1. A structure of the class described comprising an arm for vibration in a single plane, an applicator on said arm, balls rotatably mounted on said arm adjacent said applicator, the axis oi rotation of said balls being in the plane of vibration of said arm, and rotatable over said body only in a plane substantially at right angles to the plane of vibration of said arm, means removably securing the applicator in place, and the applicator having a spherical massaging portion.

2. A structure of the class described comprising a motor, an arm associated with said motor for vibration ina single plane, balls of soft yieldable material rotatably mounted on said arm, the axis of rotation of said balls being in the plane vibration of said arm, to roll over the body at substantially right angles to the plane of vibration of said arm whereby to manipulate the tissues.

3. AA structure of the class described comprising a motor, an arm pivotally associated with said motor for vibration about its pivot, balls of yieldable material rotatably mounted adjacent one end of said arm, the axis of rotation being the plane of oscillation of said arm, and said balls being freely movable over the body during the oscillation of said arm.

4. A structure of the class described comprising a motor, an arm pivotallgy mounted on said motor for oscillation about said pivot, balls of yieldable material rotatably mounted on said arm adjacent one end, the axis of rotation of said balls lying in the plane of oscillation of said arm, whereby to engage the tissues of the body and manipulate them, and means joining the shaft of said motor lto said arm.

5. A structure of the class described comprising an arm mounted to vibrate in a single plane, balls of yieldable material rotatably mounted on said arm adjacent one end, the axis of rotation of said balls being in the plane of Vibration of said arm, and rotatable over said body only in a plane substantially at right angles to the plane of Vibration of said arm.

OSCAR T. BUFFALOW. 

